The big story in The New York Times on November 20, 1985, concerned Hurricane Kate's advance as it smashed into northern Cuba and the Florida Keys before barreling north to threaten the Gulf Coast. But another big story -- for the technology world -- was about to unfold thousands of miles away in Las Vegas, where the Comdex trade show was getting under way.

I actually have an original box copy of Windows 1.03 at home. I also have a 5.25 drive sitting in the same closet. I wonder if I can get it running on a spare computer. Last time I tried to get it to run it seemed very tempermental and would crash frequently. Don't know if Windows or the version of DOS I was using was the culprit. Might have something to experiment this weekend if I get bored...

I also have a 5.25 drive sitting in the same closet. I wonder if I can get it running on a spare computer.

From my "museum experience" this shouldn't be a big problem. Make sure everything is clean (free of dust). Also make sure your mains voltage is stable.

This old technology seems to be much more reliable than our today's "modern" technology. I still have computer systems from the early 1980's here, with disks and printer, running a CP/M clone - fully functional. I tend to experience fewer reading troubles with those old diskettes and drives than with some new DVD equipment... just curious if it would be possible to use today's devices in 30 years... ;-)

This old technology seems to be much more reliable than our today's "modern" technology. I still have computer systems from the early 1980's here, with disks and printer, running a CP/M clone - fully functional. I tend to experience fewer reading troubles with those old diskettes and drives than with some new DVD equipment... just curious if it would be possible to use today's devices in 30 years... ;-)

Thirty years ago hardware was vastly more expensive than modern hardware. People expected that very expensive hardware to last a long time so it had to be made well. Now a DVD burners costs <$20 so people have developed much lower expectations regarding quality. eg My laptop can't handle CDs or DVDs with very minor scratches and is often reluctant to eject discs.